How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The wait lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their challenges better like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you could be able to access it. You'll have to see your GP and explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Adults should prepare an outline of specific ADHD signs and symptoms they experience on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples when requested.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, as well as interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they receive and create an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with medication.
You may find that some doctors are not willing to make an appointment for an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it's best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful tips on this subject.
In England you have a legal right to choose which GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, as long it is provided through the NHS and does not cost you more than the NHS directly. If you are unable to get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You might be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips regarding this here.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different routes you can take to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a long procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive an answer. You can also take advantage of the "Right to choose" route. This is a new legal right which means that when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be directed to a private service by this method.
If you choose to sign this agreement then your GP must agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've chosen. However, most GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private provider of your choice. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The doctor will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation, if it is thought that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they'll usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your workplace or school. Then, they'll schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will give you a chance to discuss any medication options and, if determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Your specialist will discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or work. Any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, either via emails or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often, it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is by having an assessment done by a psychiatrist with expertise in the field.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Ask your GP for advice if you're concerned about the wait time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the organization to which you're being referred. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process faster.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical assessment with regularized questions. It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and note down your experiences, as it's normal for people's minds to go in a blank space when discussing their own experience.
The examination will also include physical examinations and interviews with family members teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete data to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If CAMHS ADHD assessment UK believes that you or your child has ADHD and they'll refer you for a full diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a follow-up appointment that could involve several tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people decide to go private for their ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD according to the area you reside. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS however, it's important to know that health insurance does not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in many areas of life such as relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these problems. Unfortunately, due to a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait for appointments can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you have your assessment, because it will help you determine what the most effective course of action for you is.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This route is often quicker than the NHS pathway, but it is crucial to confirm whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
Your specialist will ask questions regarding your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about the way these traits impact your daily life. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and to write down examples of how you have encountered these characteristics in your life before making an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can result in a variety of treatment options and provide a greater sense of self-understanding for those who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.